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Our three sports writers started with a $10,000 bankroll — fictional, of course.

Houston plus-4 at Oklahoma City: $330 to win $300

Two of the best teams in the Western Conference, and thus the entire NBA, have played two blowouts so far this season. And both of them have gone Oklahoma City’s way.

Houston lost by 31 last time it traveled to play the Thunder. And it’s because of how lopsided that loss was that I like the Rockets to keep it close this time around.

Part of that has to do with Oklahoma City’s recent struggles. Houston is 15-2 in its last 17 while the Thunder have lost five of eight, including the last two as road favorites. Now they get to return home for a big matchup, but the Rockets are also motivated for this game. It’s the first game of a statement road trip that also includes games at Chicago and Miami.

I expect the Rockets to play one of their best games of the season, and it should be enough to at least keep it close.